I did a fifty mile ride this morning. I’m not really where I want to be in terms of training yet but I’m more than okay. The route I did this morning has three significant hills–Mokapu, Keolu, and Makapu’u for those of you from the island. They’re not fun although they’re not the worst that I’ll have to face when I do the century in a month. That one–most locals call it Heartbreak Hill, I call it Heartattack Hill, but I think the proper name for it is Kamilo’iki–has beaten me down more than once.

I have a bit of knee pain this early evening. I’m not aching, I’m not dying, but I’m not exactly 100%. Still, since it’s not debilitating, it definitely reminds me that the alternative–being pain free by not working out–is worse.

I’m not an endorphin addict–heck, I don’t think I’ve ever gotten hit by an endorphin rush through working out–but to some extent exercise is an addiction. I feel like I -need- it. I don’t know what would happen if I didn’t get it–but I don’t want to. So the bit of knee pain I’m suffering through now is okay, because I think the opposite would be worse.